In late April 2025, the Center for Public Studies (CEP) published a national survey revealing a sharp decline in President Gabriel Boric’s approval rating—only 22% approve of his performance, while 66% disapprove. Simultaneously, 55% of respondents stated that conflicts between Chileans and immigrants are “very strong,” indicating growing societal tension. These figures coincide with a public interview by Chilean writer Marcelo Simonetti, who criticized Chile’s approach to migration as rooted in ignorance rather than curiosity. The convergence of low trust in institutions and increasing hostility toward migrants signals a deterioration of Chile’s civic and democratic environment, potentially undermining social cohesion and fundamental rights.
One of the most immediate threats is the potential normalization of exclusionary narratives in public discourse. If the perception that migrants are inherently linked to conflict continues to spread unchecked, this could lead to greater social polarization and a reduced willingness among the public to support inclusive policies. This shift in public sentiment could pressure elected officials to adopt more restrictive migration laws or to deprioritize human rights protections in favor of short-term political gains. In such a scenario, civil society organizations (CSOs) that work with migrant and refugee communities may face increasing public hostility, reduced access to public spaces, or even delegitimization in political debates.